Tauranga City Council is looking for arts, youth and community representatives to join its new Public Art Advisory Group

The group, formed as part of the recently adopted Public Art Policy, will provide recommendations to council on significant public art proposals.

Earlier this year, BOP Polytechnic Bachelor of Creative Industry students completed projects suggesting artwork for sites around the Mount and Tauranga. Photo: Brydie Photography.

The policy aims to encourage public art to enhance our environment and contribute to the character of Tauranga.

It provides guidance and a transparent process for assessing and accepting art on public land and/or buildings.

Corporate and Policy planner Melony Atkins says group members will need 'the ability to think creatively, make recommendations to benefit the public of Tauranga and, importantly, be able to work constructively within a group.”

Council is seeking expressions of interest for three members with expertise in visual arts, public art, cultural arts, curation of galleries or art exhibitions, or urban design. This includes architecture and landscape architecture.

One youth representative (under-24) with expertise or experience in the arts is also being sought, plus one community representative of known and respected standing in the community, but they do not need to be an artist.

There will also be a tangata whenua representative and up to three council staff on the advisory group.

Positions are for a three-year term and the advisory group will meet on an as required basis when significant public art proposals are received. The positions are not remunerated.

Applications close at 12pm on Friday, May 22. Applications forms are available online at: www.tauranga.govt.nz

For more information contact Melony Atkins on: 577-7244 or email: melony.atkins@tauranga.govt.nz